48 Hours Before
Deep Clean & Declutter
Full home cleaning, remove personal items, organize closets, tend to yard and landscaping.
Night Before
Final Touches
Set out fresh towels, arrange décor, charge smart displays, prepare outdoor spaces.
Day of Shoot
Last 30 Minutes
Turn on all lights, move cars, open blinds, put pets away, do a final walkthrough.
📷 Why This Matters
Buyers spend an average of 20 seconds looking at a listing photo. Every item on this checklist directly impacts whether they stop scrolling — or keep going. A properly prepped home can add thousands to your final offer price.
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First impressions are everything. The exterior hero shot is the #1 photo buyers see. A tidy lawn and clean driveway can increase perceived value by 5-10%. Give this section as much attention as the interior.
Lawn & Landscaping
Mow, edge, and trim the lawn
Uneven grass is distracting in wide shots. Edge along walkways for a crisp, clean line.
Rake leaves and remove all debris from yard
Fallen leaves make a home look abandoned. A clear yard photographs much more invitingly.
Trim overgrown shrubs and hedges
Overgrown bushes can block the facade and make the home look unkempt.
Weed garden beds and add fresh mulch if available
A freshly mulched bed adds a 'just maintained' look that reads instantly on camera.
Add potted flowers or plants near the entrance (optional but high impact)
A pop of color near the front door creates warmth and draws the eye to the entrance.
Driveway & Walkways
Move ALL vehicles off the driveway AND the street directly in front of home
Cars block the facade and make the listing look lived-in. This includes street parking in front for drone shots.
Sweep or blow the driveway and all walkways
Leaf debris and dirt are very visible on concrete in HDR photography.
Remove basketball hoops, bikes, skateboards from driveway
These items signal clutter and distract from the home's architecture.
Remove worn welcome mats with personal names
A plain or fresh mat looks cleaner. Personalized mats reduce buyer mental ownership.
Garage
Close garage door(s) unless interior is being photographed
An open garage reveals clutter and creates a dark, distracting void in exterior shots.
If garage is photographed: remove vehicles, organize shelves, sweep floor
A clean garage is a strong selling point — show it off or keep the door shut.
Backyard & Outdoor Spaces
Straighten and arrange patio/deck furniture neatly
A well-staged patio sells the outdoor lifestyle. Angled chairs around a table look intentional.
Remove grill covers and store propane tanks out of view
A clean grill area photographs well. Clutter around it detracts from the space.
Stow garden hoses, tools, toys, and seasonal decor
Hoses and tools read as clutter from any angle. Stow everything not meant to be a feature.
Move trash/recycling bins to garage or side of home out of frame
Visible trash cans are one of the most common photo mistakes — very hard to edit out.
Clean pool, spa, or water features — remove all toys and accessories
A sparkling pool is a luxury selling point. Cloudy water or pool toys diminish the impact.
Remove pet waste, toys, and accessories from the yard
Pet items in photos can be off-putting. Remove all evidence for a universally appealing space.
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Lighting is the #1 factor in photo quality. Turn on every single light — including lamps, under-cabinet lights, and closet lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs before we arrive. Warm-white bulbs (2700K-3000K) look best on camera.
Lighting
Turn on ALL lights — overhead, lamps, under-cabinet, sconces, closet lights
More light = less shadow. Every lit room looks larger, warmer, and more inviting in photos.
Replace all burned-out or missing bulbs
Dark fixtures create awkward shadows and signal maintenance neglect.
Turn OFF all ceiling fans
Spinning fans create motion blur. Stationary fans photograph much cleaner.
Open all window blinds and shades fully
Natural light is your best friend. Closed blinds make rooms look cave-like in photos.
Close all windows (reduces glare, looks more finished)
Open windows can cause screen distortion and look unfinished in wide shots.
Turn TV screens OFF — we digitally replace them if needed
Black screens reflect room glare and equipment. Our team can add a beautiful scene digitally.
Declutter & Depersonalize
Remove or minimize personal family photos and name displays
Buyers need to picture themselves living there. Personal photos prevent that mental shift.
Remove excessive knick-knacks — leave max 1-2 accent pieces per surface
Minimal decor makes spaces look larger. Less is always more on camera.
Stow all wastebaskets, recycling bins, and waste bags
Waste bins are always visible in wide-angle shots. Put them in a cabinet or closet.
Remove pet beds, food bowls, litter boxes, and toys from all rooms
Not all buyers are pet-friendly. Remove all pet items for a universally appealing space.
Secure pets in a crate, car, or take them off-property during the shoot
Pets in the background look unprofessional and can distract the photographer.
Hide all visible cords, chargers, and cables
Cables on floors and counters are a top photo detractor in modern home photography.
Remove children's toys from all common areas
Toys make rooms look smaller and chaotic. Buyers want to see space, not stuff.
Cleaning
Vacuum all carpets and rugs (fresh vacuum lines photograph beautifully)
Flat, matted carpet looks worn. Fresh vacuum lines look clean and cared-for.
Sweep and mop all hard floors
Dust and footprints on hardwood or tile are amplified dramatically in HDR photography.
Dust all surfaces, shelves, and furniture
Dust is highly visible in bright photography lighting. Quick dusting makes a big difference.
Clean all interior windows and glass doors until streak-free
Smudged windows are very visible when photographing with outdoor light behind them.
Touch up paint on visible scuffs, marks, or stained walls
Stains and scuffs are permanent in photos. Touch up any visible damage before shoot day.
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Stage it like a showroom. Think hotel lobby, not lived-in home. Fluff all pillows, straighten throws, and leave a single decorative accent on the coffee table. The camera sees everything — symmetry sells.
Living Room
Fluff and arrange all sofa cushions and throw pillows symmetrically
Lumpy or lopsided pillows make sofas look cheap. Symmetry signals care and intention.
Drape throws neatly over armrests or fold them on cushions
A casually placed throw adds warmth and texture without looking sloppy.
Clear coffee table — leave only 1-2 intentional accents (candle, book, tray)
An overcrowded coffee table makes the room feel smaller. Less is always more on camera.
Straighten area rugs to be parallel with furniture and walls
Crooked rugs create a chaotic visual energy that looks sloppy in wide-angle shots.
Remove remote controls, magazines, mail, and everyday clutter
These items scream 'someone lives here' — you want buyers to picture themselves living here.
Clean fireplace — remove ash; add fresh logs or candles for a staged look
A dark, ashy fireplace reads as neglected. Clean the surround and add fresh logs for a cozy look.
Dining Room
Tuck in and evenly space all dining chairs
Pulled-out, uneven chairs make the dining area look mid-meal. Tuck them in neatly.
Clear dining table — add a simple centerpiece (flowers, fruit bowl, candles)
A simple, styled centerpiece anchors the dining area and gives photos a magazine feel.
Remove high chairs, booster seats, and kids' items from the dining area
These items visually shrink the dining space and reduce the perceived lifestyle appeal.
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Countertops are everything in kitchen photography. Clear counters make kitchens look 30-50% larger in photos. Leave out only 1-2 intentional items: a fruit bowl, a plant, or a cutting board. Everything else goes in a cabinet or car.
Countertops & Surfaces
Clear ALL countertops completely
Bare counters are the single biggest improvement in kitchen photography. Buyers see space, not stuff.
Stow all small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.)
Appliances on the counter chop up the visual space and make kitchens look smaller.
Add 1-2 intentional styling items only (fruit bowl, fresh flowers, single plant)
One organic element prevents counters from looking sterile while still showing off the space.
Wipe down all countertop surfaces until spotless
Crumbs and spills are extremely visible in high-resolution HDR photography.
Remove all artwork, magnets, and notes from the refrigerator
A blank fridge looks sleek and modern. A cluttered fridge looks like a family bulletin board.
Clean fingerprints from stainless steel appliances
Fingerprints on stainless steel catch the light dramatically and are highly visible in photos.
Sink & Organization
Empty the sink completely — no dishes, even if clean
Even clean dishes in the sink make the kitchen look in-use. An empty sink looks model-home ready.
Stow drying rack, dish soap, sponges, and all cleaning supplies
These everyday items signal functional-but-not-photogenic. Hide them completely.
Organize and style any open shelving (3-5 cohesive items per shelf max)
Open shelves that are too full look messy; too empty look sad. Style them intentionally.
Remove kitchen towels from oven handles and stove knobs
Dish towels on handles look informal. Remove for a cleaner, more intentional shot.
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Make beds like a 5-star hotel. Pull the comforter tight, fluff pillows to stand upright, and add a folded throw at the foot. Clear nightstands to 1 lamp + 1 accent item. A well-made bed is worth thousands in perceived value.
Bed & Linens
Make all beds with freshly laundered or pressed linens
Wrinkled sheets photograph terribly. A crisp, tight bed immediately communicates quality.
Arrange pillows symmetrically — sleeping pillows behind, accent pillows in front
Layered pillows add depth and a luxurious hotel feel that photographs exceptionally well.
Add a folded throw blanket at the foot of bed for texture and warmth
A throw adds a styling layer that photographs beautifully and adds warmth to the room.
Clear completely under the bed — no bins, dust, or items visible
Wide-angle lenses capture what's under the bed. Keep it completely clear.
Surfaces & Storage
Clear nightstands — leave only lamp, 1 book, and 1 small accent
A cluttered nightstand makes a bedroom feel cramped. Strip it back to the essentials.
Put away ALL clothing — nothing on chairs, floors, or dressers
Clothes left out are the #1 bedroom photography mistake. Every piece goes in a drawer or closet.
Close all closet doors (unless walk-in is being photographed)
Open closets reveal personal belongings and look chaotic in room photos.
If photographing walk-in closet: organize by color/type, clear floor space
A beautifully organized walk-in closet is a major luxury feature — show it off if it's clean.
Remove alarm clocks, chargers, and personal items from all surfaces
These items date the space and make it feel cluttered. Remove everything not intentionally staged.
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Bathrooms sell on sparkle. Every mirror, faucet, and tile should gleam. Always close the toilet lid. Set out fresh neutral-colored towels. Remove all personal toiletries. The goal is a spa-like, impersonal luxury feel.
Fixtures & Surfaces
Close ALL toilet lids — check every bathroom in the home
An open toilet lid is one of the most frequently missed and most jarring details in listing photos.
Clean mirrors until completely streak-free
Dirty mirrors are highly visible in bathroom shots and reflect the entire room.
Polish faucets, handles, and hardware until they gleam
Shiny chrome and brushed metal communicate quality. Water spots dull them instantly.
Scrub shower, tub, and tile — remove all soap scum and mildew
Soap scum and grout discoloration are very visible in HDR photos. Clean grout lines thoroughly.
Clear all countertops — remove toiletries, makeup, razors, toothbrushes
Personal toiletries are the most intimate items in a home. Remove them all for a spa-like appearance.
Replace dark/opaque shower curtain with clear or white liner
A dark shower curtain closes off the tub area. A clear or light liner opens the space visually.
Remove all floor bath mats and rugs
Bath mats chop up the floor visually and make bathrooms look smaller. Remove for cleaner photos.
Staging
Set out freshly laundered, neatly folded towels in white or neutral colors
Crisp white or gray towels read as luxurious and spa-like. Bright colors are distracting.
Add 1 small accent only (candle, small plant, or clean soap dispenser)
One organic element prevents the space from looking sterile while keeping it photogenic.
Remove all visible cleaning supplies and toilet brushes
Toilet brushes and cleaning bottles are unavoidable eyesores. Hide them completely.
Empty all visible wastebaskets
A full wastebasket in a bathroom photo is an immediate turn-off. Empty and hide them.
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Home offices are a top-3 buyer priority. A clean, styled desk communicates that this space is functional and desirable. A messy office tells buyers the room is too small to work in. Make it aspirational.
Clear desk completely — leave only computer, 1 notebook, 1 plant or lamp
A clutter-free desk makes the room feel purposeful and spacious, not cramped and chaotic.
Bundle and hide all cables behind desk or furniture
Cable spaghetti is one of the most distracting elements in office photography.
Put away all paperwork, files, and mail
Documents and files make a space look overwhelmed. File or box them away for the shoot.
Organize bookshelves — remove excess, group by color or size
A styled bookshelf communicates intelligence and taste. An overstuffed one reads as no storage.
Set office chair in a centered, neutral position at desk
An askew chair looks rushed. A centered chair looks purposeful and inviting.
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Remove all clothing from washer, dryer, and hampers
Dirty laundry in photos communicates there isn't enough storage. Remove it entirely.
Clear top of washer/dryer — no detergents or supplies visible
Cleaning supplies on appliances make the space look utilitarian, not a selling point.
Sweep and mop the laundry room floor
Lint and dust accumulate quickly. A clean floor makes the room look maintained and cared-for.
Tidy mechanical areas — neatly organize utility equipment if possible
Mechanical equipment in photos can raise buyer concerns about maintenance.
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Do a final walkthrough 30 minutes before we arrive. Walk every room with fresh eyes. Look for lights off, fans on, cars in the driveway, or pet items. These last-minute catches prevent reshoots and delays.
Do a complete final walkthrough of every room as if you're a buyer
Fresh eyes always catch things you missed. Walk every room before the photographer arrives.
Confirm ALL lights are ON and all ceiling fans are OFF
The most common last-minute oversight. Walk the whole home checking every switch.
Confirm all vehicles are off the driveway AND the street directly in front
Cars can block the facade angle. Make sure the street in front is also clear for drone shots.
Put pets in a crate, car, or remove from property entirely
Pets roaming during a shoot can appear in photos, interrupt shots, or pose safety concerns.
All occupants should be off-property or minimize presence during the shoot
People in the background of wide-angle shots require costly reshoots. Plan to be out for 1-2 hours.
Confirm all toilet lids are closed — a quick bathroom check takes 2 minutes
This is the most frequently missed item on shoot day. Check every bathroom before we arrive.
Ensure all exterior doors and backyard gates are unlocked for the photographer
Our photographer will need access to all spaces to be photographed, including outdoor areas.
Note any alarm codes, safety concerns, or special access instructions
Alert us about alarm codes, gate codes, fragile items, or areas not to be photographed.
Photographers will not rearrange personal items — final staging is your responsibility
Our team is focused on lighting and composition. All tidying must be done before we arrive.
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Pair home prep guidance with these popular add-ons to maximize your listing's impact.